Posterior segment disease affects the vitreous, retina, choroid, and optic nerve at the back of the eye. These structures are responsible for capturing and transmitting visual information.
Conditions Included
Examples include diabetic retinopathy, age‑related macular degeneration, retinal vein and artery occlusions, retinal detachment, inherited retinal dystrophies, and optic neuropathies. Symptoms may involve floaters, flashes, distortion, field loss, or sudden vision reduction.
- Some disorders develop gradually and are detected through screening
- Others, such as retinal detachment or vascular occlusion, require emergency care
- Risk factors include age, systemic vascular disease, high myopia, and family history
- Diagnosis uses dilated fundus examination, OCT, angiography, and visual field testing
Management
Treatments range from observation and systemic control of risk factors to injections, laser therapy, and vitreoretinal surgery. Long‑term monitoring is often essential.
- Prompt attention to new flashes, floaters, or a curtain over vision is critical
- Screening programmes play a key role in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy
- Visual rehabilitation and low‑vision support may be needed in advanced disease
- Collaboration between eye specialists and physicians optimises care
